THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP What a wonderful feeling it is when we are "accepted" especially by a group of fellow-believers in Christ. We all have that experience somewhere at some time. It has meant very much in every way. Paul's feelings were very deep as he remembered that tremendously important conference in Jerusalem when he and Barnabas were given the right hand of fellowship by the earlier apostles (v.9). It was more than a handshake. It was a recognition of the message and the ministry God had given to him as an apostle to the Gentiles. The background of this first church conference or council is found in Acts chapter 15 but Paul says here that he went (v.2) under the guidance of a special revelation (Williams translation). It was a remarkable council meeting. Paul had brought with him not only Barnabas, but also Titus (v.3), a Christian Greek who had never been circumcised. Would he be accepted? The legalists spoke against him but the grace of the gospel won the day. The apostles stood with Paul against the legalists and the council ended on a happy note (vv. 9,10), clearing the way for the spread of the true gospel among the Gentiles. Are we ourselves ever too legalistic? Am I? Isn't it easy to set rules? It is easier to build walls than to build bridges, isn't it? We must never compromise the gospel. We must never add to it but it is so easy to exclude from our friendship the very ones for whom Christ has died. Does that include our neighbours? How is our "acceptance" level today? |
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